Homemade lebanese rikakats - air fryer cooking

Name: Homemade lebanese rikakats - air fryer cooking
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 8 brick pastry sheets (or filo-style sheets); 1½ cups shredded mozzarella; ¾ cup crumbled akawi cheese (or feta / cow’s milk cheese); ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped; Black pepper to taste; 1 tsp flour + 3 tbsp water(or 1 egg for sealing)

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Appetizer

Very Easy

18 min

Fancy a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth appetizer that's ready in minutes? These homemade Lebanese rikakats with air fryer are sure to become a table staple! These delicious cheese rolls, typical of Middle Eastern mezzés, feature an ultra-crisp exterior and a generously melting mozzarella and akawi heart, delicately scented with fresh parsley. The good news? No need to fry! Thanks to air-frying, you get light, golden rikakats with much less fat. Easy to prepare, perfect for sharing and customizable to your taste, they're sure to be a hit as an aperitif, starter or dinner party. Get ready to roll and enjoy!

Ingredients

8 brick pastry sheets (or filo-style sheets)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
¾ cup crumbled akawi cheese (or feta / cow’s milk cheese)
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Black pepper to taste
1 tsp flour + 3 tbsp water(or 1 egg for sealing)

Materials

Air fryer
brush

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Cook time8 min

Combine grated mozzarella, akawi cheese (or feta/cow's milk cheese), parsley and pepper.
Place the sheet of brick on the work surface, then place 2 tablespoons of mixture in the center.
Fold the two corners on the sides towards the center.
Fold in the bottom corner and roll up, leaving the top corner overhanging.
Mix the flour and water and brush the top corner with it (you can replace this mixture with a beaten egg).
Finish rolling the brick.
Place the rolled brigs on the air fryer rack and apply oil with a spray or brush. Bake for 8 minutes at 370°F/190°C in air fry mode, turning over halfway through.
And now it's ready!

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FAQ ❓

What are Lebanese rikakats?

Rikakats are crispy rolls made from brick (or filo) pastry, traditionally topped with cheese and fresh herbs. Very popular in Lebanese cuisine, they are often served as a mezze, appetizer or aperitif. Their crunchy exterior and melt-in-the-mouth interior make them a must-have specialty.

Which cheese should I use to make rikakats with cheese?

A mixture of grated mozzarella and akawi is ideal: the mozzarella adds a melt-in-the-mouth texture, while the akawi offers a slightly salty flavor typical of the Middle East. Alternatively, you can use a cow's milk feta-type cheese. Just remember to adjust the seasoning according to the salt level of the cheese you choose.

How do I roll the brick pastry so that it doesn't open up during baking?

Be sure to fold the sides towards the center before rolling the brick pastry firmly. To seal the roll, use a mixture of flour and water or a beaten egg to glue the end. This will prevent the rikakats from opening during air-frying.

How to cook rikakats in the air fryer?

Arrange the rolls in a single layer on the air fryer grid, without overlapping them. Apply a light spray of oil to promote coloring. Bake for approximately 8 minutes at 370°F/190°C in air fry mode, turning halfway through to ensure even browning and perfect crispness.

Can rikakats be baked in a conventional oven?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 370°F/190°C for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Brush them lightly with oil to obtain a crispy result similar to frying, but lighter.

Can rikakats be prepared in advance?

You can roll them out a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, well covered to prevent the brick pastry sheets from drying out. You can also freeze them raw, then cook them directly in the air fryer without defrosting, extending the cooking time slightly.

How can I prevent rikakats from becoming too dry?

Don't overcook the rikakats, and make sure you add enough filling to keep the heart melting. A light spray of oil on the outside also helps to preserve the crispness without drying out the brick.

How to store homemade Lebanese rikakats?

They can be stored in an airtight tin in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To restore their crispiness, reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer or oven. Avoid the microwave, which will soften the dough.

Cookware

air fryer

Attributes

Suitable for freezing

Keep refrigerated

Zero waste

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Juliette Hess

I’ve been creating culinary content at Petitchef for over 7 years.
I love traveling and discovering new dishes, trying out new culinary trends, and exploring new restaurants.
I’m a pasta fan in all its forms ❤ from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking it and even making it homemade!
Right now, I’m preparing, filming, and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you’ll love it!

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